George Washington\'s 110 Rules of Decorum 31-40, Finishing Touches

3. 31. In his own home, a distinguished host should offer a place of honor to the guest who should refuse;

4. but, the host is not required to make the offer with much earnestness more than once or twice unless the host really wants the guest to be in the place of honor.

6. 32. A host who is neither more or less distinguished than the guest should offer a place of honor to the guest who should refuse;

7. and, if the host offers a second time, the guest is not obligated to accept;

8. however, if the guest wishes to accept, he should not accept without acknowledging his unworthiness.

10. 33. Those in office and those of accomplishment deserve precedence for the place of honor;

11. but while they are young, and have not yet reached the legal age,

12. they should give respect to their peers,

13. and they should give respect to those who are equal in accomplishments and in responsibilities unless a specific individual is being honored.

15. 34. It is good manners to allow a more distinguished person to speak first.

17. 35. In conducting business matters, keep the conversation short and on the topic of business.

19. 36. Each person should be treated respectfully;

20. however, those who are less distinguished should not mock those who are more distinguished;

21. and those who are more distinguished should be affable and courteous without being arrogant, aggressively haughty, or disdainfully proud.

23. 37. When those who are less distinguished are speaking to those who are more distinguished,

24. those of less distinction should not lean toward the more distinguished person,

25. nor look them full in the face so as to appear to be glaring at them, nor approach them too closely.

27. 38. When visiting a sick person, do not give advice unless you are medically knowledgeable about the subject.

29. 39. When writing and when speaking, recognize each person’s title according to his degree of accomplishment and according to the custom of the place.

31. 40. When having a disagreeable discussion with your superiors, do not argue;

32. but always express your opinion with modesty while repetitiously rephrasing issues,

33. as much as, in your judgment, is necessary in order to get your point across.